Air dehydrating apparatus



Jan. 8, 1935. H. B. HARTMAN 1,986,814

AIR DEHYDRATING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 30, 1931 Z'Sheets-Sheet l lqw 27 llllllllllllllllll z IIIIIIHIIIIIIIIII llllllllllllllllll 26' I .24 .26

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H. B. HARTMAN 1,986,814

AIR DEHYDRA'I'ING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 30, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet OGQ 'GGG (30G 66G OOG GOO O96 I Jr Patented Jan. 8, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Clalmg.

This invention relates to air dehydrating apparatus, and has generally in view to provide an improved apparatus of this kind which is capable of general use, but which is particularly adapted for use in connection with ozone generators.

An object of the invention is to provide a dehydrating unit for either general use or use in connection with an ozone generator, which unit embodies various novel features of construction and arrangement of parts contributing to its desirability from an economical production, installation and maintenance standpoint, and also from the standpoint of durability, compactness and economical and eflicient operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel control means for the dehydrating unit adapting it for equally eflicient operation by electric currents of different standard voltage, whereby the necessity of providing units of different construction for operation by available currents which may differ as to voltage is avoided.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control means which is entirely automatic in its operation to effect reactivation of the dehydrating material contained in the unit following the elapse of a predetermined period of time, and to thereafter restore the apparatus to an air dehydrating condition, whereby all uncertainties and disadvantages of manual control are eliminated.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will become more fully apparent as the nature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings, wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts in the different views:-

Figure 1 is a vertical section through an air dehydrating unit constructed in accordance with one practical embodiment of the invention and diagrammatically illustrating the control means therefor.

Figure 2 is an elevation, unit shown in Fig. 1.

partly in section, of the Figure 3 is a plan view, with parts broken away, of one of the heating units of the apparatus.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view through one of the heating units.

Figure 5 is a plan view of one of the air distributing plates which preferably are used in the dehydrating unit; and

are seated, and being connected together by elongated bolts 13 through the instrumentality of which they are drawn or clamped against the ends of the body member in fluid tight relation.

Suitably mounted on the bottom end closure 12 and in communication with the interior of the container A through the bottom of said end closure, as at 14, is a fan casing 15 which is open at one side and provided with a closure 16 which is hinged at an upper point to the casing, as at 17, so that under the influence of gravity it normally assumes a position closing the said open side of the casing. Said closure is provided with an opening 18 and is mounted for outward swinging movement, while hinged at an upper point to the inner side of said closure, as at 19, for inward swinging movement is a cover 20 which, under the influence of gravity, normally assumes a position closing said opening 18. Thus, under normal conditions, the closures l6 and 20 afford a practicable means of preventing atmospheric air from entering the container A. Manifestly, however, upon a suction action or a negative pressure being produced within the container, the cover 20 is free to swing inward to permit the entrance of air through the opening 18 and the fan casing into the container, while on the other hand, when the fan, designated as 21, which is mounted within the fan casing, is operated to draw air downward through the container, the closure 16 is free to swing outward to permit escape of such air from the fan casing.

An electric motor 22 is provided for operating the fan 21, and with respect to said motor it will be noted that the same is mounted in spaced relation to the fan casing below the same on a heat insulating bracket 22 carried by said casing. Thus the motor is disposed in an out of the way location and at the same time is protected against the harmful-effects of the heated air which passes throii'gh the fan casing during a certain period of operation of the apparatus.

Moreover, it will be noted that the fan casing also is disposed in an out of the way location below the container and does not extend laterally beyond the side limits thereof, which, with the mounting of the motor as shown and described, afiords desired compactness of the apparatus in respect to the described features thereof.

Suitably mounted above the container A is a valve casing 23 which is connected at a medial point by a conduit 24 with the container A through the top of the top closure 11 thereof. At opposite sides of the point of communication of the conduit 24 with said valve casing the latter is provided with valve seats 25 and 26, respectively,,

with which cooperate valves designated as 2'? and 28, respectively, which are mounted 'on a common stem 29 and so spaced apart that when either valve is seated the other valve is open. The valves 27, 28 control communication between the conduit 24 and an air suction line 30 connected with the casing 23, and between said conduit and a reactivating air supply opening 31 formed in said casing, respectively, the opening 81 preferably having an air filter 32 associated therewith to clean the reactivating air prior to its travel through the valve casing 23 and the conduit 24 into the container A.

A coil spring 33 bearing at one end against the valve 2'7 and at its other end against a suitable fixed abutment 34 serves to maintain the valve 2'? normally closed and the valve 28 normally open, while an electro-magnet or solenoid 35 has its armature or core 36 connected with the valve stem 29 so that upon energization of said magnet or solenoid the valve 2'7 is opened and the valve 28 is closed.

Preferably, the valve seats 25, 26 and the valves 2'1, 28 are faced with oil treated leather or other suitable material to assure tight closing of said valves by means of relatively light operating pressure exerted upon the valves, whereby the spring 33 and the magnet or solenoid 35 may be relatively weak so that only a relatively small amount of current is consumed by the magnet or solenoid in maintaining the valve 2'? open and the valve 28 closed over a considerable period of time.

Suitably mounted within the container A is a pair of electric heating devices 37 for use in reactivating the material M, said devices preferably being disposed transversely of the container A, one medially or approximately medially thereof and the other near the top thereof, substantially as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Although the heating devices 3'7 may be of any construction desired, they preferably are constructed as illustrated in detail in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. That is to say, each device comprises a resistance element 38 confined between a pair of perforate frame elements 39, 39 formed preferably from woven asbestos twine, a perforate sheet metal plate 40 disposed against the outer face of each frame element, a sheet of wire gauze 41 disposed across the outer face of each plate 40, and marginal clips 42 holding the entire structure in unitary assembly. Thus, while provision is made for free passage of air through the heater elements, passage of the dehydrating material therethrough is effectively prevented.

One terminal of the resistance element of one of the heating devices is connected with one terminal of the resistance element of the other heating device by a suitably insulated conductor 43 from which a conductor 44 leads through a suitable plug 45 to the exterior of the container A, while leading through the same plug are other conductors 46 and 47 which are connected to the other ends of the resistance elements of the two heating devices, respectively. Thus, if a current source of supply is connected with the conductors 46 and 47 the resistance elements operate in series, while on the other hand, if one pole of the current source is connected with the conductors 46, 47 and the other pole is connected with the conductor 44, the resistance elements operate in multiple.

Near the bottom of the container A is disposed a support for the dehydrating material comprising a perforate sheet metal plate 48 and a superposed sheet of wire gauze 49, whereby, as in the case of the heating devices 37, the dehydrating material M is prevented from passing through said support while air is permitted to pass freely therethrough.

Within the space between the support 48-49 and the bottom of the container A is disposed a transverse plate 50 having apertures 51 so located therein as to cause air entering the container at the bottom thereof to be distributed for upward passage through all parts of the material M. Similarly, a transverse plate 52 is disposed within the space between the upper heating device 37 and the top of the container and has apertures 53 so located therein as to cause air entering the top of the container to be distributed for downward passage through all parts of the dehydrating material, the perforate plates of the heating devices also assisting in accomplishing the purposes of the plates 50, 52 as is manifest.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that if the line 30 is connected with a source of suction and if the valves 2'? and 28 are closed and open, respectively, the cover 20 will swing inward to admit air through the opening 18 in the closure 16 to the fan casing 15 and through said casing to the bottom of the container A and that such air in its dispersed travel upward through the material M will be effectively dehydrated. On the other hand, it is apparent that, if the valves 27, 28 are open and closed, respectively, and if the fan 20 is set into operation to draw air downward through the material M while current is supplied to the heating devices 3'7, the air supply will be through the filter 32 and the discharge will be through the open side. of the fan casing as permitted by outward swinging movement of the closure 16, and reactivation or extraction of moisture from the material M will be effected in part by direct radiation of heat from the heating devices 37 and in particular the heating of the downwardly traveling air in its passage through said heating devices so that as the air passes through the material M it effectively absorbs any moisture contained therein.

Referring now to the aforementioned control means for the apparatus, it is pointed out that the available current for operating the electrical elements of the apparatus usually is of V. and 220 V. and that it not infrequently happens that it is not permissible to operate the heating devices 37 on the 110 V. line because of overloading of such line. Therefore, the present control arrangement is so designed that the magnet or solenoid 35 and the motor 22 may be provided for operation on 110 V. current while the heating devices may be operated either on 110 V. current if it is available, or on 220 V. current if 110 V. current is not available, whereby the same electrical elements of the apparatus may be used in either instance. Accordingly, the said control means is inclusive of a three-pole double throw switch, designated generally as S, comprising the two sets of contacts 54, and 56, and 57,56 and 59, respectively, and the three cooperating switch blades 60, 61 and 62. As shown, the switch blade is permanently connected with the two contacts 56 and 59 by a conductor 63, and the contact 55 is permanently connected with the contact 57 by a conductor at. The current supply conductors, designated as 65, 66, are connected with the switch blades 61, 62, respectively, and the heating device conductors 46, 44 and 47 are connected with the contacts 59, 58 and 57, respectively. Thus, if 116 V. current is not available for operating the heating devices the switch blades 61, 62 are connected by the conductors 65, 66, with the 220 V. line and the switch is operated to the full line position shown in Fig. l. of the drawings in which position the blades 60, 61 and 62 are engaged with the contacts 54, 55 and 56. As a consequence the resistance elements of the heating devices obviously are connected in series and thus are operable by the 220 V. current. On the other hand, it is obvious that if 110 V. current is available for operating the heating devices, the conductors 65, 66 are adapted to be connected with the 110 V. line and the switch blades 60, 61 and 62 are adapted to be actuated to a position in engagement with the contacts 57, 58 and 59, respectively, from which it manifestly follows that the resistance elements become connected in multiple with the source of 110 V. current for operation by the same.

A feature of the invention resides as aforesaid in the provision of means operable automatically to open and close the valves 27, 28, to start and stop the fan 22, and to supply and out off current to and from the heating devices 37 at predetermined times to adapt the apparatus for dehydrating air during given time periods and to effect reactivation of the dehydrating material during other time periods. This means is inclusive essentially of a clock operated switch which preferably is of a well known commercial type comprising an electric clock, designated generally as C, and switch means operable thereby comprising preferably four tubes 67, 68, 69 and 70 (Figs.

6 and 7) each containing a quantity of mercury adapted to be shifted from end to end of the tubes by tilting movements of the latter as effected by the clock C. Each tube carries a pair of contacts 71, 72 and by tilting each tube in one direction the mercury flows to the end thereof remote from the contacts whereby the circuit in which the contacts are included is opened, while by tilting o'f -the tube in an opposite direction the mercury flows, to the end thereof in which the contacts are disposed whereby the contacts are bridged and the circuit closed.

The reason for providing the four switches 67, 68, 69 and 70 is to adapt the apparatus for operation in part on current of a given voltage V.) and in part on current of a different voltage (220 V.), for, obviously, if current of the first voltage is available for operating all electrical elements of the apparatus, or if all electrical elements of the apparatus are provided for operation by current of a higher voltage, 220 V., for example, only two switches would be required for the control of the apparatus, one to close the circult to the ozone generator and the other to simultaneously open the circuits to the magnet 35, the motor 22 and the heating devices 37, and viceversa.

The switch tubes 67, 66, 69 and 79 are tiltable in unison and the contacts of three of the tubes, 68, 69 and 70, are disposed at corresponding ends of the tubes whereby these contacts are bridged simultaneously. On the other hand th contacts of the remaining tube, 67, are disposed at the cpposite end of said tube so that when the circuits controlled by the tubes 68, 69 and 76 are closed, the circuit controlled by the tube 67 is open, and vice-versa.

The tube 67 controls starting and stopping of the ozone generator or other device with which the dehydrator is used, the tube 68 controls opening and closing of the circuits to the motor 22 and the magnet 35, and the two tubes 69 and 70 constitute a double pole switch controlling opening and closing of the 220 V. heating device circult.

If 110 V. current is available for operating all of the electrical devices of the apparatus, only the two tubes 67, 68 need be used, one for controlling the starting and stopping of the generator and the other for opening and closing the circuits to the motor 22, the magnet 35 and the heating devices 37. As illustrated in the present instance, however, 220 V. current is used for operating the heating devices 37 and 110 V. current is used for operating the motor 22, the magnet 35 and the generator, and for this reason the two tubes 69, 70 constituting, as aforesaid, a double pole switch for controlling the heating device circuit are used in addition to the tubes 67, 68.

In view of the foregoing the operation of the apparatus is apparent and as follows :--At a given time the clock C tilts the switch tubes to close the generator circuit and open the circuits to the motor 22, the magnet 35 and the heating devices 37. Thus the spring 33 closes the valve 27 and opens the valve 28, and by reason of the suction produced in the line 30 by operation of the generator, air is drawn upwardly through the material M and is dehydrated by said material. After the elapse of a predetermined period of time, the clock C operates to tilt the switch tubes to open the generator circuit and to close the circuits of the motor 22, the magnet 35 and the heating devices 37. Thus, the valve 28 is closed and the valve 27 is opened, and the fan 21 is set into operation to draw air downwardly through the container A, which air, by reason of becoming heated by the devices 37, serves effectively to extract accumulated moisture from the material M and thus reactivates said material. After a given reactivation period has elapsed the clock C again operates to tilt the switch tubes to the first mentioned position and dehydration again begins.

Without further description it is thought that the features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and it will of course be understood that changes in the form, proportion and minor details of construction may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Air dehydrating apparatus comprising a container for air dehydrating material, means at one end of said container to admit air thereto and to permit air to escape therefrom, a valve casing connected with the other end of said container, a suction line connected with said valve casing, said valve casing being in counication with the atmosphere, valve means within said casing movable to a position to establish communication between the suction line and the container and to simultaneously cut ofi communication between the container and the atmosphere, said valve means being movable to another position to cut ofi communication between the suction line and the container and to simultaneously establish communication between the atmosphere and the container, a timing device, means'under the control of said timing device operable to move said valve means to said positions at predeter= mined times, and suction means under the control of said timing device to produce a iiow of reactivating air through the container when the valve means is moved to its second mentioned position.

2. Air dehydrating apparatus comprising a container for air dehydrating material, means at one end of .said container to admit air thereto and to permit air to escape therefrom, a valve casing connected with the other end of said container, said casing having an opening for the outlet of dehydrated air and an opening for the inlet of atmospheric reactivating air, valve means within said casing movable to a position to establish communication between the air outlet opening and the container and to simultaneously cut ofi communication between the air inlet opening and the container to adapt the apparatus for flow of air to be dehydrated through the container and the valve casing in one direction, said valve means being movable to another position to cut oil communication between the air outlet opening and the container and to simultaneously establish communication between the air inlet and the container to adapt the apparatus for flow of reactivating air through the container in'the opposite direction, automatic means for moving said valve means to said positions at predetermined times, and suction means under the control of said automatic means for producing a flow bf reactivating air through the container in the last mentioned direction when the valve means is moved to its second mentioned position.

3. Air dehydrating apparatus comprising a container for air dehydrating material, means at one end of said container to admit air thereto and to permit air to escape therefrom, a valve casing connected with the other end of said container, said casing having an opening for the outlet of dehydrated air and an opening for the inlet of atmospheric reactivating air, valve means within said casing movable to a position to establish communication between the air outlet opening and the container and to simultaneously cut off communication between the air inlet opening and the container to adapt the apparatus for flow of air to be dehydrated through the container and the valve casing in one direction, said valve means being movable to another position to cut of! communication between the air outlet opening and the container and to simultaneously establish communication between the air inlet and the container to adapt the apparatus for flow of reactivating air in the opposite direction through the container, electric heating means within the container, electrically operated suction means for producing a flow of reactivating air through the container in a direction opposite to the flow of the air during dehydration, automatic means for moving said valve means to its aforesaid positions at predetermined times, and means whereby operation of said automatic means to move the valve means to its second mentioned position closes the circuits of said heating means and said air flow producing means and opens said circuits when the valve means is moved to its first mentioned position.

4. Air dehydrating apparatus comprising a container, a body of air dehydrating material within said container, means for the flow of air to be dehydrated through said container and material in one direction and for the flow of reactivating air through said container and material in the opposite direction during successive predetermined periods of time, a pair of heating elements within said container, one of said heating elements being located approximately medially of the body of dehydrating material and the other being located adjacent to the end of the bodyof dehydrating material which is adjacent to the dehydrated air outlet end of the container, and means for rendering said heating elements inoperative during air dehydrating periods and operative during material reactivating periods.

5. Air dehydrating apparatus comprising a container for air dehydrating material, air inlet and outlet means at each end of said container, a timing device, means under the control of said timing device whereby there is produced during successive predetermined periods of time alternately a flow of air to be dehydrated through said container in one direction and a flow of reactivating air through said container in the opposite direction, and heating means within the container under the control of said timing device so that duringperiods of time when air to be dehydrated is flowing through the container said heating means is inoperative, and during reactivating periods said heating means is operative.

HARRY BUXTON HARTMAN. 

